He had a good sense of humour and was well liked. He did however have a
violent temper and was prone to challenge people to fights or even
duels.
Heavy smoker in spite of recurring throat problems (probably throat cancer).
Left-wing politically. Anti-religious. Womaniser.

Bizet Quotes

"Ah, music! What a beautiful art! But what a wretched profession!"

"Religion is a means of exploitation employed by the strong against
the weak; religion is a cloak of ambition, injustice and vice."

Travels and career

- Age 9 - Entered Paris Conservatoire (below their minimum age) - Age 17 - Produced the Symphony in C, his first. - Age 19 - Won the prestigious Prix de Rome - Age 20-23 - Lived and studied in Rome at the Villa Medici where he was popular with the other students. - Age 25 - 'The Pearl Fishers', his first important opera, staged in Paris. - Age 31 - Married Genevieve, rich daughter of his former teacher. - Age 32 - Although as Prix de Rome winner he was exempt from
conscription, he joined the National Guard to defend Paris in the Siege
during the Franco-Prussian War. - Age 34 - Birth of son Jacques - Age 36 - Premier of 'Carmen'. - Appointed chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur. - Died of a heart attack 3 months later.